I need another rifle like I need a hole in my head. Of course, that didn't stop me. I couldn't help it. Bought a new Ruger Compact Magnum on gunbroker for $471.99. Price was too good to pass up. I've been fondling a used one at Cabela's for about 2 months. They want $649 for a pre-owned. I probably have over 1,000 338 bullets because of my 338 Federal so I won't have to buy bullets.

Scott,

My hunting partner is really interested in getting one. Do you plan to develop a short and long range load or just go with one?

I just plan on seeing what works. I'm hoping the 210 Partition shoots well.

Scott, I believe Dave Bush has one and is a big fan of the caliber. PM him to see what he's worked up.

I am interested in the 338 RCM because its close to the 338-06 and I can get it in a left hand action. Love to find a LH one for the price you paid.

I was shocked at the price. I really could not resist.

I was very tempted when CDNN was selling them for $399 or $499 but as I already own a lightweight 338-06 I just couldn't get there. Tough to beat the 210 gr Partition IME though I have used the 185 gr TSX and, most recently, the 225 gr AB with complete satisfaction.

Scott:

I have one with a 20 inch barrel and I really like it. Nice and light and easy to carry and shoots great. I shoot 225 Hornady Spire Points. If you want to stretch it out, try the 185 Hornady GMX. With the 225 grain bullets, I have had great luck with Ramshot BIG GAME. I predict that your .338 Federal will soon be for sale

This round with factory Hornady loads absolutely hammers deer and elk.

Perry

I've been thinking about one of these also, especially since I just got a CDNN catalog and the 338 RCM and the 300 RCM are listed for $399. I'm interested in hearing about some load data also.

quote:

Originally posted by pksman:
I am interested in the 338 RCM because its close to the 338-06 and I can get it in a left hand action. Love to find a LH one for the price you paid.

CDNN is/was selling them in LH for $499. I bought one, sweet rifle. Compact, nice iron sights, free rings. Only way it could be any better was if it was stainless!

I am finally getting ready to bed mine then take it to the range. A friend said 2,500 fps with 225's is possible. With this velocity a bullet like Hornadys interlock should be perfect for big critters up to 250 yards or so.

I haven't been all that intrested in any of the new cartridges that have come out in the last few years. However something about the 300RCM and 338 RCM seem kind of interesting.
I don't think they feel any particuar niche that isn't already filled by the classics, but I think they would make a neat lighweight, good handling rifle that seems like it would work good for about anything from deer to moose. and probably be a heck of a hog thumper.
Since one shoots 308 caliber bullets and the other 338 there will be no shortage of bullets. Throw in enough brass to last you for a long time and then there won't be any worries about rather it will still be around in 5 or 10 years.

quote:

Originally posted by Snowwolfe:

quote:

Originally posted by pksman:
I am interested in the 338 RCM because its close to the 338-06 and I can get it in a left hand action. Love to find a LH one for the price you paid.

CDNN is/was selling them in LH for $499. I bought one, sweet rifle. Compact, nice iron sights, free rings. Only way it could be any better was if it was stainless!

I am finally getting ready to bed mine then take it to the range. A friend said 2,500 fps with 225's is possible. With this velocity a bullet like Hornadys interlock should be perfect for big critters up to 250 yards or so.

Snowwolfe:

I am getting a chronographed 2600 fps from a 20 inch barrel with 225 grain Hornady Sprire Points.

Dave,
Could you either post or PM me your load data?
Thank you,

Well, now the gun shop that I bought it from on Gunbroker left me a message saying they don't have it in stock and can't get it from the distributers. Makes me think they can no longer get it for the discounted price from the wholesaler. I sent them a note saying they need to find one and honor the price of I'll leave negative feedback. This shop has an A+ rating on GB so we'll see how this plays out.

quote:

Originally posted by scottfromdallas:
Well, now the gun shop that I bought it from on Gunbroker left me a message saying they don't have it in stock and can't get it from the distributers. Makes me think they can no longer get it for the discounted price from the wholesaler. I sent them a note saying they need to find one and honor the price of I'll leave negative feedback. This shop has an A+ rating on GB so we'll see how this plays out.

Good news for you, go to CDNN's web site and download their catalog, page 46, $399

I'll call them tomorrow but I have a feeling they are out of stock.

I wonder if there is a closeout on the "Hawkeye matte" previous versions. I bought a new lefty recently, and it does not have the Hawkeye matte finish on the metal. It is the standard Ruger semi-matte blued finish.

CDNN is out of them. The only thing available is the left handed models. Maybe I'l just try to find a Ruger 77 in 350 Rem Mag. That caliber has always intrigued me.

Ken,

You may be right. Maybe it was a closeout special on the Matte ones.

Buy a .338 Win. in the new African model..Load it down if you must and then have the extra when needed...I see no use for any other .338 than the .338 Win. at least for myself.

Well, I went in a different direction. Picked up a Ruger 350 Remington Magnum. I wanted a Ruger short action because I have an Accurate Innovations stock that needed to find a home. I think the new 200 TTSX at 2900-3000 fps should work well for anything here in the states.

Better buy plenty of brass while you can dont know what you can make it from but I bet its hard to find too.I stay away from hard to find brass and ammo that can be made from a popular caliber.

not much harder to find it than any other caliber. Hornady is making it, and will do so as long as they are teamed up with Ruger. They are the only supplier, so there would be no reason to drop it.